Engaging with Sax beyond Conservatoire Walls

Abstract

Currently the large ensemble course at Brisbane, Australia’s Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU) is pass/fail “compulsory-for-credit”—that is, part of the bachelor of music program for first- and second-year students. Performing ensemble options include the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Conservatorium Chamber Orchestra (QCCO), Queensland Conservatorium Wind Symphony (QCWS), the Con Artists (CA), Queensland Conservatorium Big Band (QCBB), and the Queensland Conservatorium Saxophone Orchestra (QCSO). The first four ensembles apply a model rotating personnel per project (one to two concerts per semester), with activities held within the semester timetable. There is no room for event planning beyond the students’ three-to-four-year degree owing to the interruptive turnover of graduating students and minimal alumni participation. For the classical saxophone students, enrollment possibilities are with the QCWS, CA, QCBB, and QCSO.